What is a protein bar?
A protein bar is a type of meal replacement or food that contains a high amount of protein (usually around 15-30g per bar) and offers healthier nutritional values than conventional supermarket bars. However, a protein bar differs from other bars in its overall composition and consistency.
What types of protein bars are there?
While many years ago there were only conventional protein bars like the Quest Nutrition Bar, the industry's offerings have multiplied. There are virtually all kinds of protein bars:
- Protein bars
- Oat bars
- Energy bars
- Vegan bars
- Vegan protein bars
- Keto bars
- Fiber bars
What is in a protein bar?
Protein bars contain a lot of protein, as the name suggests. Because they generally contain less sugar and carbohydrates, they are more filling, supply the body with important nutrients, and can be classified as athlete-friendly snacks. They often contain amino acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and sweeteners – more or less depending on the carbohydrate or sugar content. When the first protein bars came onto the market, they usually came in the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and maybe hazelnut or cookies & cream. Nowadays, flavors are mixed and offered as unique blends – such as Salted Caramel, Blueberry Cheesecake, Fruity Cereal, Peanut Butter Cup, Crunchy Fudge, and many more.
Protein bars for fitness athletes – which are the most popular protein bars?
Here at Muscle Lab, you can find not only local protein bars from drugstores or supermarket chains, but our range also includes protein bars from all over the world! We always strive to include the tastiest, most unique, and highest-quality bars in our range. We're very successful at this, and we'd like to show you some of them here:
- Energy Cake
- Alani Nu Fit Snacks
- USN Trust Crunch Bar
- Barebells Protein Bar
- Warrior Crunch Bar
- M&M's Crispy Protein Bars
- Quest Nutrition Dipped Protein Bars
- Grenade Carb Killa High Protein Bar
Protein bars for vegans and vegetarians – high quality or not?
Most protein bars contain animal protein sources, such as whey casein or milk. Regular protein bars are therefore not suitable for vegans, which is why there are numerous vegan protein bars on the market. These usually contain soy protein, rice protein, pea protein, or other plant-based protein sources. Stevia, a plant-based vegan sweetener found in many vegan foods (including vegan protein bars), is also often used as a sweetener.
Are protein bars suitable for weight loss?
Most protein bars average between 180 and 250 calories per bar, which is roughly equivalent to the calorie count of a small snack. The higher the protein content of a bar, the better it can help with weight loss. There are also protein bars that contain L-carnitine, for example, which in turn promotes slightly increased fat burning.
Are there protein bars that help you gain weight?
Yes! There are also some fitness bars like the Energy Cake, which contains over 500 calories per bar and is especially good for so-called "hard gainers." Even though somatotypes are an outdated theory, there are plenty of people who have a fast metabolism and a very high energy expenditure, and who find it difficult to gain weight. Fast carbohydrates and high-calorie snacks are particularly suitable for this group to gain a few pounds. Otherwise, protein bars are more intended to fill you up and often contain a lot of fiber, which is why hard gainers should opt for fast carbohydrates or energy cakes.
When should you eat protein bars?
Protein bars can essentially be consumed at any time of day. In our opinion, they're best consumed after a workout, before a workout, and as a snack throughout the day, as they're filling and work perfectly as a protein shake replacement. Protein bars are a great way to help you diet before you reach for unhealthy, sugary foods when you're feeling cravings. The protein they contain also supplies the muscles with important amino acids, helps build muscle, and protects against muscle loss.
Does consuming protein bars as a protein substitute make sense?
Yes! As already described, you can also consume a protein bar instead of a protein shake. Of course, a high-quality protein shake can provide a slightly better source of energy for your muscles, but for a bit of variety, a protein bar is sufficient.
Large selection of protein bars at Muscle Lab